Essential selection criteria
Automated recurring billing: Invoice automation to reduce errors Flexible pricing models: Tiered, usage-based or flat-rate pricing Robust payment gateways: Support for multiple gateways Retention tools: Churn management and dunning management Lifecycle management: Onboarding, upgrades, cancellations Integrations: Connection with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
8 leading platforms
1. Hyperline
Modern platform created in 2022 by former Spendesk engineers. €13.6M funding raised, 150+ clients in 18 months.
Key features:
End-to-end automated billing (90% time reduction) Support for all pricing models (flat, seat, usage, credits) Payment orchestration (Stripe, GoCardless, Airwallex) Revenue recognition and compliance Integrated CPQ with electronic signature Native integrations (CRM, ERP, accounting, databases) Implementation in less than a week
Pricing: Free trial, then customized pricing based on volume and needs. Dedicated support included. SOC 2 certified, GDPR compliant.
2. Maxio
Merger of Chargify and SaaSOptics, specialized in B2B SaaS billing with strong revenue recognition.
Features: Complete automation, GAAP compliance, advanced analytics (MRR, churn), Salesforce/QuickBooks integrations, multi-currency payments.
Pricing: Build (30 days free), Grow ($599/month up to $100K billing), Scale (customized).
3. Chargebee
Recognized cloud platform for automation and pricing flexibility. Gaps in advanced revenue recognition.
Features: Complete automation, flexible models, global tax management, multiple gateways.
Pricing: Starter (free up to $225K, then 0.75%), Performance ($599/month), Enterprise (customized).
4. Zuora
Enterprise solution for complex models and global operations. High learning curve.
Features: Complex models, revenue recognition, global payments, advanced reporting.
Pricing: Customized.
5. Recurly
User-friendly design for SMBs. Lacks comprehensive revenue recognition tools.
Features: Automation, dunning management, multi-currency, analytics, tax compliance.
Pricing: Starter ($0 for 3 months, then $249/month), advanced (customized).
6. Stripe Billing
Flexible solution for developers with powerful API. Ideal for custom integrations.
Features: Versatile API, automation, global payments, customizable workflows.
Pricing: 0.7% per transaction or $620/month (annual contract).
7. Paddle
Unified platform for SaaS aiming for global growth.
Features: Automation, global tax compliance, multiple models, fraud protection, localization.
Pricing: 5% + $0.50/transaction (customized for enterprises).
8. Stax Bill
Cost-effective solution with predictable flat-rate pricing.
Features: Flat rate, automation, flexible models, analytics, multiple integrations.
Pricing: Growth ($499/month up to $85K billing).
How to choose?
Consider pricing flexibility, automation, global support and scalability. Hyperline stands out as the best choice for SaaS thanks to its advanced automation, "usage-native" approach, 90% reduction in billing time, seamless integrations and rapid implementation (< 1 week).
FAQ
What is a subscription billing platform? Tool managing recurring payments and billing cycles, automating billing, collection and subscription management.
What is recurring billing software? Tool automating regular billing for subscription-based services.
What is the subscription billing method? Structure where customers are billed periodically (monthly/annual) for continuous access.
How does automation benefit SaaS? It improves efficiency, reduces errors, improves cash flows and frees teams for strategic tasks.
Difference between billing and subscription management? Billing concerns invoices and payments; subscription management covers the entire customer lifecycle (signups, modifications, cancellations).